Method for inhibiting angiogenesis and tumors with the isolated NC1 α1 chain monomer of type IV collagen

Abstract

The instant invention provides methods and kits for inhibiting angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis, and endothelial cell interactions with the extracellular matrix, involving contacting the tumor or animal tissue with at least one isolated type IV collagen NC1 alpha chain monomer. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the isolated domain of type IV collagen comprises the NC1 (alpha1), (alpha2), (alpha3), or (alpha6) chain monomer, or protein constructs having substantially the same structure as the NC1 (alpha1), (alpha2), (alpha3), or (alpha6) chain monomer.

We claim:  
     
       1. A method for inhibiting tumor metastasis in tissue comprising contacting the tumor or tissue with an effective amount to inhibit tumor metastasis of a polypeptide composition comprising the isolated NC1 α1 chain monomer of Type IV collagen. 
     
     
       2. A method for inhibiting tumor growth in tissue comprising contacting the tumor or tissue with an effective amount to inhibit tumor growth of a polypeptide composition comprising the isolated NC1 α1 chain monomer of Type IV collagen. 
     
     
       3. A method for inhibiting angiogenesis in an animal tissue comprising contacting the animal tissue with an effective amount to inhibit angiogenesis of a polypeptide composition comprising the isolated NC1 α1 chain monomer of Type IV collagen.